Sunday, 16 November 2008
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Young Girl Elects Not to Have Heart Transplant...
by Mama Pig 
I just ran across this story of a thirteen year old from the UK that has won her fight to not have a heart transplant.After eight years of battling, she says she simply wants to die at home with her family. Having a young child that has already undergone heart surgery, it grabbed my attention. Both parents have supported her decision, but I know it was not an easy choice.
If this were your child would you have allowed her to determine the outcome?
For me, I pray I never have to face such a decision, but I asked so I must answer. My best answer would be; it depends. I would take into consideration the age of my child, the long term medical plan, and her quality of life following the procedure. It was stated that this young girl would most likely have to undergo another transplant within five years. She has been battling serious illnesses since the age of five and has asked to simply be allowed to die with dignity.
I would like to think I would give that to my child no matter the cost to myself.
Thoughts?
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Comments (17)
What a heart breaking scenario. That would have to be one of the hardest decisions to ever make...... I agree it with you, it would depend on the specifics of the situation.
I would let her choose. Who are we to tell her to continue making choices for her that only hurt her.
I applaud her for making such a decision. She may be young, but she knows what she wants out of life, and what she wants is to die peacefully on her own terms. Why deny her of that right?
Wow. How heart breaking for the parents. I just couldn't imagine going through something like that. What strength it takes on their part. I just don't know if I could.
Wow, what a little girl. I think as long as a child can justify why he or she wants, it should be allowed.
I don't know what I would do in that situation. I don't think anyone would know. My heart goes out to her and her family and pray she has a long life and perhaps changes her mind if her chances of survival are strong. The poor brave thing.
I could not and pray I never have to face to trying decisions. I guess ultimately if the child understands what death is and it is her wish she should be allowed to make the decision but think of the love and courage those parents must have for that child to not step in and say "no... you are going to have this surgery." Amazing sacrifice.
It is rather ironic that this blog was posted this evening. Just a few hours ago, I learned that a child that I was following through another site had been allowed to pass on peacefully. She was just a baby and had severe health issues. Her parents made the ultimate sacrifice when they decided that they did not want her in anymore pain.
My heart aches for that family. They made the selfless decision to place her above their own needs and desires. I pray that I never have to make such a decision and can only imagine how difficult it must be for her parents.
Rest in peace sweet baby girl.
What an amazing gift when parents allow their child to make such a choice. I hope I could do the same thing if in their shoes, but I just don't know.
Im 27 and need a heart transplant and have decided not to have one, so I can completely understand why she doesnt want to.
Im glad I am old enough to decide for myself because I know my parents would not support my choice.
Wow... that's...
I don't even have words to describe. I hope she passes peacefully.
I think its hard to say for myself what i would do in that situation cos i am not a mom yet. But, i know that its probably in the best interests of the child to do that. I hope i would not have to make such a decision anymore.
I think the girl is completely competent enough to make a decision for herself, as heartbreaking as it would be. She'd be waiting that long on the list for a transplant anyway, and I totally understand her not wanting to be in the hospitals anymore.
If I were ever faced with a situation like that and my child said no, I would do exactly what they did, explain everything, and then let them make a decision. I salute the girl for being so strong.
You know...this is such a difficult thing to have an answer to unless I am put in that actual situation (which I pray never happens), but ever since the day my daughter was born and put into my arms, I always knew she was mine to love, care for, guide and support. What I did know though, that something so precious as my child had to belong to someone or something higher than me. She was Gods and he bestowed her upon me as my gift but not so that I could choose her path in life. So I would have to see that if my daughter was mature (and at this little girls age I was more mature than I am now lol) I would say I would let her choose. It's her life, her body, her future and ultimately her decision. First I would have to talk to a pastor, to a counselor and read about the situation, have a few other opinions from doctors and even hopefuly find someone that had a heart transplant to give her their input. Then she will make HER DECISION and I will respect and honor it for what it is.
Such a tough girl for choosing that and the parents for going with it. I couldn't imagine being forced to choose.
I would hope that I would be strong enough to let my child make that decision. I've met several kids with terminal illnesses and I have to say most of them have a clearer vision than I do of what is important in life. Many of them have lived through such horrors in their short years than any person should have to live in a life time. If after 8 years of pain and sorrow she is ready to spend what time she has left with her family there isn't a person who should judge her or her family's decisions. I hope and pray that they find peace and strength.